Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Thursday Thirteen 265: Recently Read

Read over the last few months — as always, click on any cover to find out more about the book.
















BOOK NOTES

* The Casual Vacancy is the latest release from J.K. Rowling, her first adult novel. Pretty good book, but I think people who go into it with an open mind and no expectations are more likely to enjoy it. This book is contemporary fiction and deals in gritty reality, not the fantastical realm of her Harry Potter novels.

* The Haunting of Hill House, Anna Karenina and Little Women were all group reads, and each was featured in a Teaser Tuesday post, which I have linked to here. Of the three, I most enjoyed Anna Karenina, even though it is close to 1000 pages and took a while to get through. It truly is a good book and I'm glad I took the time to read it.

* The Amanda Stevens series was a gift received from a friend and I absolutely loved these. I am looking forward to three more books in the series next year!

* Ellery Adams was the September featured author for the Cozy Mystery group. These were books three and one of two different series, both of which I like.

* Home For a Spell by Madelyn Alt is book seven in another favorite series, her "Bewitching" paranormal mystery series.

* Phyllis A. Whitney was the October featured author for the Cozy Mystery group. An older mystery, but pretty good.


Books read so far this year: 92












18 comments:

colleen said...

You should have a job writing reviews since you love to read so much.

Jennifer Leeland said...

I did something similar this week! Did you like Casual Vacancy? I'd love to hear your opinion on that one.

Heather said...

Colleen: I'm actually not very good with reviews. Just isn't my forte.

Jennifer: Yes, I actually did like it, though the vast cast of characters was generally unlikable. It was a little difficult keeping all the characters straight at first, but by end of the book I could not put it down--ended up finishing it at 4 in the morning.

Kimberly Menozzi said...

I'm going to have consider The Casual Vacancy, I think. Once I've gotten through my TBR pile, anyway.

Thanks for sharing your list, and your opinion on the book with Jennifer.

Happy TT!

Dane Bramage said...

great TT. Mine is in NaNoWriMo

Mia Celeste said...

There are so many good books out there. Again, you've inspired me to add names to my to-read list. Thanks.

http://otherworlddiner.blogspot.com/2012/11/hitting-brick-wall-in-national-novel.html


Heather said...

Kimberly: You're welcome! TCV is a gritty read, but I did like it.

Thanks, Dane!

Mia: I hope you added the Amanda Stevens series--I think you might like that one.

Jana said...

The Graveyard Queen series had your name written ALL. OVER IT. haha Glad you enjoyed. I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next three to come out. May be time to start haunting Amanda Stevens' website for updates. hehehe

Speaking of favorite authors, though, I just finished Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline. Have you read that one yet? I can't remember what year it is. But if you haven't read it, I'll be happy to pass it along. It was good.

Norma said...

I enjoyed the cover art. Great TT.

CountryDew said...

I loved Phyllis Whitney when I was growing up. For a long time that is what I wanted to write: gothic mysteries just like her (well, her and Victoria Holt, those hers were more historic gothics). What a varied list you have.

Heather said...

Jana: Gee, I wonder why you would think the Amanda Stevens series were perfect for me? Hehe... Can't wait for more in that one, either.

As for Lisa Scottoline... Yes, I have read Lady Killer--and everything up to it. I recently found a like-new copy of Think Twice at the library's used book sale, but have not got round to it yet.

Heather said...

Norma: Thank you.

Anita: Thanks, I do tend to read across a wide variety of genres. Rarely bored, that's for sure! I have a couple more books by Whitney in Mount TBR, but aren't sure whether they lean more toward gothic mystery, or romantic suspense.

Paige Tyler said...

The Marine Next Door definitely looks like my kind of book!

*hugs*
Paige

My TT is at http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Alice Audrey said...

You've been mixing it up a bit more lately.

The Gal Herself said...

I think Rowlings was very brave with Casual Vacancy. As you wisely said, not every reader picks it up with an open mind.

Hazel said...

The Casual Vacancy is very expensive in bookshops where I live. I'm not in a hurry to read it but I will and mainly because of curiosity.

Heather said...

Paige: Yes, I think that one would suit you most out of all of these.

Alice: Hey, you know me - I like a bit of variety in my reading. :D

Heather said...

Gal Herself: Yes, very brave indeed. It's not easy departing from what one is most known for, to write in a completely different genre and for a completely different audience. It's important to keep that in mind when reading TCV

Hazel: I imagine it is quite expensive in your country. It is a bit cheaper in ebook format, if you have that option. Otherwise, I hope it will be out in paperback for you soon--that should be a bit cheaper than the hardcover.